Yellow Mule Cabin
Open year-round by reservation. Currently in winter access season: Buck Creek Ridge Road and Trail 10 are closed to wheeled motorized vehicles until June 16. Access requires snowmobile for approximately 14-17.5 miles. Summer wheeled/hiking access resumes June 16. Winter users should check the Gallatin National Forest avalanche advisory at mtavalanche.com.
Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 12:48AM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* IMPACTS: Low humidities, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong gusty winds will create erratic fire behavior and rapid spread for new or existing fires. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central WY Fire Zones...274...284. In South Central MT Fire Zones...123...124...126. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central MT...Wheatland. In North Central WY...Big Horn...Johnson...Sheridan...Washakie. In South Central MT...Carbon...Park...Stillwater...Sweet Grass. In Southwest MT...Gallatin. * WIND: Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * HUMIDITY: As low as 7 percent. * TEMPERATURES: 84 to 90 degrees, warmest over Zone WY274. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The worst conditions are expected across the lower to middle elevations in fine fuels. The strongest winds are expected in mountain locations and the foothills west of Billings. Zone WY274 will see lower wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.
Winter Storm Watch issued October 8 at 11:48PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches along the Big Belt Mountains and between 6 and 12 inches above 7000 feet in the mountains of Madison and Gallatin counties. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains and Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially over mountain passes. Back country conditions may be very dangerous. Wet snow and gusty winds may down trees limbs and power lines.
About
Yellow Mule Cabin was built in 1920 and originally served as a ranger station. Unlike standard Forest Service designs, this cabin was constructed according to the builder's personal preference, making it eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The small 12x14-foot cabin sits between a meadow and mixed evergreens at approximately 8,650 feet elevation, with views of the glaciated Madison Mountain Range. The cabin provides a true backcountry experience with minimal amenities. Inside you'll find three cots, a wood stove for heat, basic cookware and utensils, a propane lantern, and a dining table with chairs. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located outside. There is no potable water, electricity, or firewood provided, so guests must come fully prepared. All trash must be packed out. This area is popular with snowmobilers accessing Buck Creek Ridge Trail and McAtee Basin in winter, and with hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders in summer. Wildlife includes grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Stock facilities include a pasture for horses.
Directions
From Bozeman, drive west to Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 about 40 miles to the Big Sky turnoff. Summer access (June 16 - December 1): Continue south on US 191 for 3.75 miles, turn right onto Buck Creek Ridge Road (FS 2599), drive 7.7 miles to Buck Creek Ridge Trailhead. From there, travel 9.5 miles on Buck Creek Ridge Trail 10, then turn right at the Trail 467 junction and descend 1/3 mile to the cabin. Winter access (December 2 - June 16): Park across from Buck Creek Ridge Road entrance on the east side of US 191. The cabin is approximately 17.5 miles via snowmobile.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 587-6710 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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